Plans are being drawn up to launch a Jags Soccer School for primary school children, which will be based at Larkhall Thistle’s Gasworks Park.

A recruitment drive will be held at the park between 1-3pm on Saturday, when Thistle meet Forfar West End in a friendly (2pm), and at the same time on the next two Sundays.

The theme for the community-based project is ‘Have fun, get fit and enjoy football’, with posters being distributed inviting boys and girls, aged 8-10, to join this new football scheme.

Levi McPhee, recently appointed club communications and liaison officer, who holds coaching badges and Disclosure Scotland certificate (enabling him to work with children), is spearheading the dual purpose community-based project.

The Larkhall United coach said: “We aim to encourage more young children to learn more about football and prepare them for playing competitively – hopefully with Larkhall United – when they reach the age of 11.

“We’re aiming to promote Larkhall Thistle and its facilities as a community asset, and hope that by involving parents and interesting the community generally, we will be able to create a revenue stream for Thistle.

“Our initial venture at Machanhill Primary School involved 40 boys and girls, where we had eight players each week for five weeks.

“After the school holidays we’re planning to involve all other 10 primary schools in the Larkhall area.”

Club president Chris Lenson added: “This is a very positive venture, involving children interested in football, and highlighting that the facilities at Gasworks Park are available to the community.

“Being perceived as a community club is not necessarily the panacea to resolve our problems, but the sociability factor it could create could certainly aid this 136-year-old club.”

Meanwhile, Thistle got off to a flier in their first pre-season game when Ross McGeachie headed in a second-minute goal against Lowland League side Abbey Vale, but they equalised within 90 seconds.